The paper deals with a unique continuous laboratory process for the manufacture of ultrathin nanofilms of various thermoplastic polymers, such as polycarbonate, polyetherimide, polysulfone, and liquid crystalline polyester, based upon the recently developed spontaneous film formation technique. Continuous films with a width up to 14 cm and a thickness of 20-100 nm. were produced using a prototype laboratory apparatus at a windup velocity of 1-20 m/min. The length of the film can be almost infinite, i.e. longer than 1 km. The produced films are of high quality and can be used as layer materials, as membranes, in optical devices and sensors, as well as for microlithographic purposes. (C) 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.